10 Pokémon TCG: Twilight Masquerade Illustration Rares You’ll Want ASAP

The new expansion set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game is almost here, and many beautiful Secret Illustration Rare cards have been revealed. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Twilight Masquerade is due to be officially released on May 24, 2024, with 167 cards in the main set plus many more secret cards whose numbers go above the set number. For Twilight Masquerade, many of these include references to the recent Scarlet and Violet video games’ DLCs, The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk.

One of the coveted cards for the set is a unique Promo card that will be included in the Elite Trainer Box for Twilight Masquerade and features Ogerpon holding the titular Teal Mask from the DLC. Although that will be a promo card, there are many other incredible and covetable Secret Rares in the Pokémon TCG: Twilight Masquerade set, including several new ex cards and Trainer cards. While everyone will have their own personal preferences in art styles and worth, here are 10 Secret Rares worth keeping an eye on.

10

Hisuian Growlithe (181/167)

Fighting-Type

The adorable smile of the Hisuian Growlithe is captured in the full-art card 181/167 for the Pokémon TCG: Twilight Masquerade set. The unique thing about this card is that not only is it beautiful on its own, but it also forms a matching set alongside the Secret Rare card for Perrin, which is shown at number six on this list.

Hisuian Growlithe is illustrated by Gidora in vibrant colors and a pose that makes one want to boop its nose and cuddle it up. Even if one does not manage to have the matching set with Perrin, this card would still be a key component of any collection. The Fighting-type card is nothing too extraordinary as far as gameplay mechanics go. However, with a card this pretty and rare, it is unlikely to see much time in play.

9

Tatsugiri (186/167)

Dragon-Type

Pokémon illustrator Osare created this colorful Secret Rare full art card of the little Tatsugiri. Card number 186/167, the Dragon-type Pokémon is shown in a collage of the trio of colors that Tatsugiri can come in: orange, pink, and yellow. The card looks like something that would make a wonderful illustration for the front of a card binder or other merchandise, but even left as a card it is something that is fun and worth collecting.

Tatsugiri is not a commonly discussed character in the Pokémon universe, yet it is a cunning little Dragon-type, often living inside the mouth of Dondozo to protect itself and luring in prey by pretending to be weak. Each of Tatsugiri’s color variations have slight differences, and will provide the Dondozo with different buffs in exchange for hitching a ride.

8

Wattrel (Japanese card 105/101)

Lightning-Type

At the time of writing, the English version of the Secret Rare card of Wattrel has not yet been revealed. From the Japanese set, Mask of Change, this card is expected to be the same in appearance as what will be released for Pokémon TCG: Twilight Masquerade. The card’s shocking artwork has already made it one that has caught the attention of many collectors and fans.

Illustrated by the Pokémon artist Mitsuhiro Arita, this is a rather unique look for the Electric-type bird, being set underwater. Depicting electricity surging off of Wattrel into the water, one can only imagine the damage it must be doing to any fish or other aquatic creatures. Naturally, the bird does have webbed feet and is made to be comfortable in the water, but it certainly puts others at risk in doing so.

7

Greninja ex (214/167)

Fighting-Type

Greninja ex makes three appearances in the Pokémon TCG: Twilight Masquerade set, once as a regular print, once as an Ultra Rare full art, and once as this Special Illustration Rare card. The three versions of the same card have similar artwork styles, showing a Terastallized crystalline appearance to the frog-like creature.

The vivid colors that illustrator akagi used on this card are what truly sets it apart. Looking almost as if Greninja ex has splashed down into a bucket of paint, bright liquids in oranges, yellows, reds, and more are all being thrown around the Pokémon, nearly providing a throne of color. As one of the popular ex cards, this Greninja ex is sure to be a desirable addition to anyone’s set.

6

Perrin (220/167)

Support Trainer

Trainer cards are often highly favored cards in any Pokémon TCG set, and this beautiful depiction of Perrin is one that will have many collectors excitedly looking for it. The card alone is wonderful, showing the female trainer looking down at a Pokémon as she is about to take its photograph, with a smile on her face and a canopy of leaves behind her.

The true value of Perrin’s Secret Illustration Rare card comes when it is paired with the subject of her photographing skills, however. When one looks closely at her camera, they can see the reflection of Hisuian Growlithe, taken from another Gidora illustrated card, the Secret Rare card 181/167, which appears as number 10 on this list. Putting the cards together tells a story of a sweet slice-of-life moment between Perrin and the fluffy Hisuian Growlithe Pokémon.

5

Cramorant (176/167)

Water-Type

The bird Pokémon Cramorant is not known to be the brightest of creatures, and, in fact, is well-known for using “the bare minimum amount of energy for its brain,” according to Pokémon Violet‘s Pokédex. Despite, or possibly because of, its lack of mental capability, the Pokémon is a capable battler and will often attempt to swallow any Pokémon opponent whole.

The humorous image illustrated by Fujimoto Gold for Cramorant’s Secret Rare card 176/167 for Twilight Masquerade feels as though it is part of a story that needs part two. The Water-type bird looks suspicious as they are walking through a crowded area where humans and Pokémon are playing together in the water using fountains and squirt guns. The colorful image is engaging and encourages the imagination to wander while looking at it, making it one that many collectors will enjoy having in their set.

4

Applin (185/167)

Dragon-Type

The camouflaged Applin is a sneaky Pokémon, not only because it can look suspiciously like a harmless fruit, but also because it is hiding a tough Dragon-type Pokémon battler within its tasty appearance. Pokémon TCG: Twilight Masquerade includes a Secret Illustration Rare of this fruit-like creature that is illustrated by Katsunori Sato to show several Applin hiding in a tree.

With a casual glance, one might disregard the tree shown in Applin’s artwork as nothing but a basic apple tree, full of red fruit and lush green leaves. Upon closer inspection, there are no less than six Pokémon inside apples in the image, though, showing how well these little apple-loving Pokémon can blend into their surroundings and hide themselves. In play, the card also offers a good ability for players to search their deck for a Pokémon to add to their hand.

3

Munkidori (Japanese card is 107/101)

Psychic-Type

There are few Pokémon TCG cards as worthy of being made into framed artwork as this depiction of Munkidori by illustrator Teeziro for the Secret Rare Illustration in Twilight Masquerade. Although the card has not been revealed in English yet, the Japanese card from Mask of Change has the same artwork as what will likely be included in the English card expansion. Set in a tranquil treetop with cherry blossoms surrounding it, this artwork is as beautiful and soothing as any piece of art could be.

The Legendary Munkidori first appeared in The Teal Mask DLC for the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games, where it is often seen alongside Okidogi and Fezandipiti to form the Loyal Three. Therefore, the cards in the Twilight Masquerade set also mark the introduction of this character to the Pokémon TCG.

2

Carmine (Japanese card 123/101)

Support Trainer

Another Pokémon Trainer who stands to be not only one of the most popular cards in the Pokémon TCG: Twilight Masquerade set, but also one of the most valuable, is Carmine’s Secret Illustration Rare. Although the card has not yet had its English version revealed at the time of writing, the Japanese version has caused a stir among the community. Full art versions of Trainer cards are very often worth quite a bit of money in the Pokémon TCG, and Carmine is one of the fan-favorites in the video games.

The rival trainer, Carmine, was part of the Scarlet and Violet video games, showing up in The Teal Mask DLC as a very competitive student of the Blueberry Academy. Her role in the games was a key plot point, and made her a memorable and beloved character to many. Though it is hard to guess what the market will do before a set releases, many are anticipating that Carmine’s Secret Rare card will be one of the top collectibles.

1

Eevee (188/167)

Colorless

Another card that is anticipated to be one of the top chase cards in the Twilight Masquerade expansion set is the Secret Illustration Rare card for the beloved Eevee. Created by illustrator Narumi Sato, this full card art shows eight Eevees lounging around a peaceful living room setting. The number of Pokémon is in reference to the eight evolutions that Eevee can undergo, suggesting that each of these fluffy little creatures will eventually evolve into very different friends.

Eevee has long been a favorite in the Pokémon universe, rivaling Pikachu for a spot as one of the most recognizable of pocket monsters and earning a place in the hearts of many. As beautiful as this card is, it is certain to become a highly desirable card for collectors in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.